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You'll get to see the entire process of building a high-end piano from choosing the wood to polishing the cabinet. And you will have the opportunity to see how they utilize a combination of the latest technology combined with old world craftsmanship.

And if you're really good, they just might have some nice newly minted pianos for us to play at the end of the tour.

Mason & Hamlin is so confident in their products and their processes, they allow us to take pictures throughout the tour. In fact, here's a thread with pictures From our 2007 Tour of Mason & Hamlin

We've Added A Second Tour Group! Same day, second group will start at 10:00This means we can have up to 55 total participants. If you've been waiting by the sidelines, jump in now and let me know you want to come!

Make plans now to join us in October. Respond to this post so we know you're interested, then...

We have started posting a list of attendees below the pictures.THE TOUR IS LIMITED TO 55 PEOPLE - DON'T WAIT!When we reach 55 we will still take names as alternates, some people drop out beforethe tour every year. Either way, GET YOUR NAME ON THE LIST

We would like to post your forums name, and the names of anyone you are bringing, along with your state (and country if coming from outside the U.S.).Let me know if it's not ok to post your real name in addition to your forums name.If you plan to bring others with you, please provide their details as well. (We will not post phone numbers).

The good folks at Mason & Hamlin Piano have agreed to purchase additionalheadphones to accommodate a second tour group on the same day. The second group is limited to 15, a number we have already reached with the peoplewho were originally on the alternates list. We will now start a new alternates list.

Alternates:Alternates are listed in the order in which we received the requests.In the event any of the confirmed people in the original 40 or group II 15 drop out (and we usually have a few), we will contact the alternates in order.

Costs There is no charge for the tour. You are responsible for your own transportation and lodging.

General Information:Keep in mind you will be touring a live factory in full production mode. Lots of dangerous machinery, tools, and many people moving around.

It will be approximately a 3 hour tour (just like Gilligan's Island).At the end of the tour there will be freshly minted pianos to see and play.Because we usually end up with a large group, anyone wishing to play must keep it short so others have a chance.

The group needs to stay together, stay out of the way of the workers, and LISTEN to what the tour director (Bruce Clark) is saying.

We do a LOT of walking (and standing). Wear comforable shoes and clothes. The factory is clean (other than sawdust), but you may brush up against a piece of machinery, pile of wood etc.

Roberta and I will be there, and we would like to bring Cousin Jeff. Jeff designs and builds furniture and I know he would love to see the equipment and techniques that M&H utilize.

We hope to see an enthusiastic crowd on the Cape for the weekend.

Ed

That's great Ed, always happy to have you and Roberta join in, and glad to have Cousin Jeff join us as well. My best to Roberta and all the gang on the Cape.Looking forward to the Cape Cod Piano Party too!

I live in Haverhill, MA - anyone needing info about the area, or other things to do, PM me.

Frank,

You have NO IDEA how bad I wanted to do that tour! Last time I was in Austria I never even thought of going to Bösendorfer (stupid me). The cost for five of us (Lisa wouldn't just let the two of us go and leave the other three family members at home) was a bit too high though ;-)

I can't wait to see pics and read stories from those of you that are going. Truly a once in a lifetime event - I'm envious.

Alanna (now 8) and Erin (now 6) will be excited to hear that we're going to M&H. Ilysa (now 4) will have to catch the next tour ;-)

Just wanted to say thanks to Frank, Kathy, and everyone over at Mason and Hamlin for the fantastic tour last week! It was a gorgeous fall day and the tour couldn't have been more perfect. We started on the ground floor of the old brick factory building, where they showed us how they laminate and bend the rims, and then worked our way up, one floor at a time, to the top of the building for the final finishing. I learned so much about piano construction, and was just fascinated by the equipment and the process. And if that weren't enough, afterwards they treated us to a delicious fried chicken lunch, which we ate while enjoying Frank's and others' piano playing on a gorgeous Mason and Hamlin concert grand. Just a wonderful day!